Claims:ProdyoVidhi Reference: TCL1056IN

I/We Claim:
1. A junction box (201) configured to couple a mains supply and a device (205-211), wherein the device (205-211) is mounted on a mounting infrastructure (203) and the junction box (201) comprising:
a monitoring module (303), the monitoring modules comprises:
a first monitor (313) configured to generate a first signal, wherein the first signal is indicative of quality of the mains supply and health of the mounting infrastructure (203), and
a second monitor (323) configured to generate a second signal, wherein the second signal is indicative of health of the device (205-211),
a processing module (305) capable of communicating with a network server and configured to receive the first signal and the second signal and generate a third signal based on the first signal and second signal, and communicate the third signal to the network server, wherein the third signal is indicative of quality of the mains supply, health status of the mounting infrastructure (203) and the device (205-211); and
a power module (301) configured to receive power from the mains supply and energize the device (205-211).
2. The junction box as claimed in claim 1, includes a protection module (315) configured to couple the power module (301) and the mains supply, and wherein the protection module (315) disengages the power module (301) and the mains supply based on quality of the power received from the mains supply.
3. The junction box as claimed in claim 2, wherein the protection module (315) includes any one or more of: surge protector, relay, earth leakage detector, circuit breaker, and fuse.

4. The junction box as claimed in claim 1, wherein the power module (301) comprises a primary power module (311) and a secondary power module (312).
5. The junction box as claimed in claim 4, wherein the primary power module (311) is configured to adapt power received from the mains supply to energize the device (205-211).
6. The junction box as claimed in claim 4, wherein the secondary power module (312) is configured to adapt power received from the mains supply to an utilizable power.
7. The junction box as claimed in claim 4, wherein the secondary power module (312) energizes the monitoring module (303).
8. The junction box as claimed in claim 1, wherein the junction box includes a controlling module (307) coupled to the processing module (305) and configured to receive instructions from the processing module (305) and control the device (205-211) based on the instructions.
9. The junction box as claimed in claim 1, wherein the junction box includes a controlling module (307) configured to receive instructions from the network server and control the device (205-211) based on the instructions.
10. The junction box as claimed in claim 1, wherein the junction box includes a controlling module (307) configured to receive instructions manually from an input/output interface and control the device (205-211) based on the instructions.
11. The junction box as claimed in claim 1, wherein the junction box includes a programming module (311) that has input-output interfaces, a data storage and is configured to receive instructions for device operations and provide inputs to a controlling module (307) and/or the processing module (305).
12. The junction box as claimed in claim 1, wherein a programming module (311) receives inputs via any one or more of: USB interface, WIFI interface, GSM protocol, BLE protocol, NFC protocol, a GPS device and/or the network server.

13. The junction box as claimed in claim 1, wherein the junction box includes a communication module (317) coupled to the processing module (305) to enable communication between the processing module (305) and the network server.
14. The junction box as claimed in claim 1, wherein the junction box includes an auxiliary module (307) wherein the auxiliary module (307) is provided with redundant modules to augment and/or substitute junction box capabilities.
15. The junction box of as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first monitor includes a floating earth monitor.
16. The junction box as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second monitor includes a current monitor, a voltage monitor, leakage current monitor, floating earth monitor, floating neutral monitor, no-neutral monitor and/or a combination thereof.
17. The junction box as claimed in claim 1, wherein the junction box includes a communication module (317) and the communication module (317) is configured to communicate over a wired communication protocol wherein the wired communication protocol includes Ethernet, gigabit and/or fiber communication protocol.
18. The junction box as claimed in claim 1, wherein the junction box includes a communication module (317), and the communication module (317) is configured to communicate over a wireless communication protocol and wherein the wireless communication protocol is any one or more of: GSM, LoRaWAN, BLE, NBIoT, WiFi, GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, and/or 5G network protocols.

19. A method for manufacturing a junction box (201) configured to couple a mains supply and a device (205-211), wherein the device (205-211) is mounted on a mounting infrastructure (203) and the method comprising:
providing a monitoring module (303), wherein the providing monitoring module (303) comprises:
configuring a first monitor (313) to generate a first signal, wherein the first signal is indicative of quality of the mains supply and health of the mounting infrastructure (203), and
configuring a second monitor (323) to generate a second signal, wherein the second signal is indicative of health of the device (205-211),
providing and configuring a processing module (305) to communicate with a network server, and to receive the first signal and the second signal and generate a third signal based on the first signal and second signal, and enabling communication of the third signal to the network server, wherein the third signal is indicative of quality of the mains supply, health status of the mounting infrastructure (203) and the device (205-211), and
configuring a power module (301) to receive power from the mains supply and energize the device (205-211).
20. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the method includes coupling the power module (301) and a protection module (315), and configuring the protection module (315) to disengage the power module (301) and the mains supply based on quality of the power of the mains supply.
21. The method as claimed in claim 20, wherein coupling includes providing the protection module (315) with any one or more of: surge protector, relay, earth leakage detector, circuit breaker, and fuse.
22. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein configuring the power module (301) includes providing a primary power module (311) and providing a secondary power module (312).
23. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein providing the primary power module (311) includes configuring the primary supply configuring to adapt power received from the mains supply to energize the device (205-211).
24. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein providing the secondary power module (312) includes configuring the secondary power module (312) to adapt power received from the mains supply to an utilizable power.
25. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein providing the secondary power module (312) includes adapting the secondary power module (312) to energize the monitoring module (303).
26. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the method includes coupling a controlling module (307) to the processing module (305) and configuring the controlling module (307) to receive instructions from the processing module (305) and to control the device (205-211) based on the instructions.
27. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the method includes configuring a controlling module (307) to receive instructions from the network server and to control the device (205-211) based on the instructions.
28. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the method includes configuring a controlling module (307) to receive instructions manually from an input/output interface and control the device (205-211) based on the instructions.
29. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the method includes providing a programming module (311) having input-output interfaces, data storage and configuring the programming module (311) to receive instructions for device (205-211) operations and provide inputs to a controlling module (307) and/or the processing module (305).
30. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the method includes configuring the programming module (311) to receive inputs via any one or more of: USB interface, WIFI interface, GSM protocol, BLE protocol, NFC protocol, a GPS device and/or the network server.
31. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the method includes coupling a communication module (317) and the processing module (305) to enable communication between the processing module (305) and the network server.
32. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the method includes providing an auxiliary module (307) having redundant modules to augment and/or substitute junction box capabilities.
33. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein configuring the monitoring module includes providing the first monitor with a floating earth monitor, power factor, wattages, leakage current, voltages, floating earth, floating neutral, no-neutral.
34. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein configuring the monitoring module includes providing the second monitor with a current monitor, a voltage monitor, leakage current monitor, floating earth monitor, floating neutral monitor, no-neutral monitor, and/or a combination thereof.
35. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the method includes configuring a communication module (317) to communicate with the network server over a wireless communication protocol wherein the wireless communication protocol includes GSM, LoRaWAN, BLE, NBIoT, WiFi, GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, and/or 5G network protocols.
36. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the method includes configuring a communication module (317) to communicate with the network server over a wired communication protocol wherein the wired communication protocol includes Ethernet, gigabit and/or fiber communication protocol.

37. A method of monitoring and controlling a device (205-211) mounted on a mounting infrastructure (203) using a junction box, wherein the method comprising:
supplying power in a power module (301) to receive power from the mains supply to energize the device (205-211);
obtaining a first signal, wherein the first signal is indicative of quality of the mains supply and health of the mounting infrastructure (203) and generated by a first monitor (313), and a second signal, wherein the second signal is indicative of health of the device (205-211) and generated by a second monitor (323), wherein the first monitor (313) and the second monitor (323) are included in a monitoring module (303) of the junction box;
obtaining a third signal, wherein the third signal is indicative of quality of the mains supply, health status of the mounting infrastructure (203) and the device (205-211) and is generated by a processing module (305) of the junction box; and
communicating the third signal to a network server via a communication module (317).
38. The method of monitoring as claimed in claim 37, wherein the method includes supplying power to the power module (301) from the mains supply via a protection module (315), wherein the protection module (315) is configured to disengage the power module (301) and the mains supply based on quality of the power of the mains supply.
39. The method of monitoring as claimed in claim 38, wherein supplying includes supplying the power through any one or more of: surge protector, relay, earth leakage detector, circuit breaker, and fuse of the protection module (315).
40. The method of monitoring as claimed in claim 38, wherein the method includes obtaining a primary supply from a primary power module (311) to energize the device (205-211) and an auxiliary supply from an secondary power module (312) to energies the monitoring module (303).
41. The method of monitoring as claimed in claim 37, wherein the method includes receiving instructions from the processing module (305) in a controlling module (307) and controlling the device (205-211) based on the instructions.
42. The method of monitoring as claimed in claim 37, wherein the method includes receiving instructions from the network server in a controlling module (307) and/or the processing module (305) and controlling the device (205-211) based on the instructions.
43. The method of monitoring as claimed in claim 37, wherein the method includes receiving instructions manually from an input/output interface and controlling the device (205-211) based on the instructions.
44. The method of monitoring as claimed in claim 37, wherein the method includes receiving inputs for device (205-211) in a programming module (311) through input-output interfaces and storing the inputs in a data-storage and controlling the device (205-211) operations based on the instructions through a controlling module (307) and/or the processing module (305).
45. The method of monitoring as claimed in claim 37, wherein the method includes receiving inputs in a programming module (311) via any one or more of: USB interface, WIFI interface, GSM protocol, BLE protocol, NFC protocol, a GPS device and/or the network server.
46. The method of monitoring as claimed in claim 37, wherein the method includes enabling communication between the processing module (305) and the network server through the communication module (317).
47. The method of monitoring as claimed in claim 37, wherein the method includes augmenting and/or substituting junction box capabilities by providing an auxiliary module (307) having redundant modules.
48. The method of monitoring as claimed in claim 37, wherein the method includes monitoring any one or more of: voltage, current, leakage current, floating earth, floating neutral and no-neutral.
49. The method of monitoring as claimed in claim 37, wherein the method includes monitoring any one or more of: current, voltage leakage current, floating earth, floating neutral and no-neutral and/or a combination thereof through and/or across the mounting infrastructure (203) and/or the device (205-211).
50. The method of monitoring as claimed in claim 37, wherein the method includes monitoring a combination of current and voltage, power factor, wattage across and through the mounting infrastructure (203) and/or the device (205-211).
51. The method of monitoring as claimed in claim 37, wherein the method includes establishing communication between the communication module (317) and over a wireless communication protocol, wherein the wireless communication protocol includes any one or more of: GSM, LoRaWAN, BLE, NBIoT, WiFi, GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, and/or 5G network protocols.
52. The method of monitoring as claimed in claim 37, wherein the method includes establishing communication between the communication module (317) and the network server over a wired communication protocol, wherein the wired communication protocol includes Ethernet, gigabit and/or fiber communication protocol.

ProdyoVidhi Reference: TCL1056IN , Description:ProdyoVidhi Reference: TCL1056IN

“JUNCTION BOX”
TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The subject matter generally relates to a junction box, more particularly, the subject matter relates to a modular junction box. Even more particularly, it relates to a junction box capable of monitoring quality of supply, and status of devices and infrastructure and communicates with a network server.
BACKGROUND
[002] A junction box is an enclosure employed for housing electrical equipments and power supply relays etc. The junction box could be of metal or any other material. Some materials the junction box is made of include Sheet Molding Compound (SMC). The SMC is a one kind of Fibre glass Reinforced Polyester (FRP) or Glass Reinforced Polyester (GRP). The junction box generally acts as power supply gateway for one or more devices. With evolution of technology devices and infrastructures coupled to the junction box have evolved, however, the junction box itself has seen a very little evolution. The junction box per se has fallen behind and remained low-key and has observed small and insignificant variations.
SUMMARY
[003] It is therefore, one of the objects of the present subject matter to provide an improved junction box. The present subject matter provides a junction box that has a role beyond mere acting as a gateway to a power supply but also engages as an active and automated apparatus in managing one or more devices driven by the junctions as well as the infrastructure on which the junction box and/or the one or more devices are mounted.
[004] In the following discussion, USB stands for Universal Serial Bus, WIFI refers to a family of wireless network protocols based on the IEEE 802.11 family of standards, GSM stands for Global System for Mobile Communications, BLE stands for Bluetooth® Low Energy, NFC stands for Near Field Communication, LoRaWAN® stands for Low Power Wide Area Network, NBIoT stands for Narrow Band Internet of Things, GPS Stands for Global Positioning Systems and, 2G, 3G, 4G, and/or 5G stand for second, third, forth, and fifth generation of mobile communication protocols. In this discussion, diligence has been observed to identify known trademarks and appropriately attribute them, however if any acknowledgement to that effect is missing is without any intention to appropriate the mark or mislead the reader. Further, it should be understood that in the following discussion text “device” includes a plurality of devices as well and the text “devices” does not limit the subject matter to a plurality of devices only.
[005] According to one aspect, the present subject matter provides a junction box (201) configured to couple a mains supply and a device (205-211), wherein the device (205-211) is mounted on a mounting infrastructure (203) and the junction box (201) comprising: a monitoring module (303), the monitoring modules comprises: a first monitor (313) configured to generate a first signal, wherein the first signal is indicative of quality of the mains supply and health of the mounting infrastructure (203), and a second monitor (323) configured to generate a second signal, wherein the second signal is indicative of health of the device (205-211), a processing module (305) capable of communicating with a network server and configured to receive the first signal and the second signal and generate a third signal based on the first signal and second signal, and communicate the third signal to the network server, wherein the third signal is indicative of quality of the mains supply, health status of the mounting infrastructure (203) and the device (205-211); and a power module (301) configured to receive power from the mains supply and energize the device (205-211).
[006] In a first embodiment, the junction box includes a protection module (315) configured to couple the power module (301) and the mains supply, and wherein the protection module (315) disengages the power module (301) and the mains supply based on quality of the power received from the mains supply. In a second embodiment, the protection module (315) includes any one or more of: surge protector, relay, earth leakage detector, circuit breaker, and fuse. In a third embodiment, the power module (301) comprises a primary power module (311) and a secondary power module (312). In a fourth embodiment, the primary power module (311) is configured to adapt power received from the mains supply to energize the device (205-211). In a fifth embodiment, the secondary power module (312) is configured to adapt power received from the mains supply to an utilizable power. In a sixth embodiment, the secondary power module (312) energizes the monitoring module (303). In a seventh embodiment, the junction box includes a controlling module (307) coupled to the processing module (305) and configured to receive instructions from the processing module (305) and control the device (205-211) based on the instructions. In an eighth embodiment, the junction box includes a controlling module (307) configured to receive instructions from the network server and control the device (205-211) based on the instructions. In a ninth embodiment, the junction box includes a controlling module (307) configured to receive instructions manually from an input/output interface and control the device (205-211) based on the instructions. In a tenth embodiment, the junction box includes a programming module (311) that has input-output interfaces, a data storage and is configured to receive instructions for device operations and provide inputs to a controlling module (307) and/or the processing module (305). In an eleventh embodiment, a programming module (311) receives inputs via any one or more of: USB interface, WIFI interface, GSM protocol, BLE protocol, NFC protocol, a GPS device and/or the network server. In a twelfth embodiment, the junction box includes a communication module (317) coupled to the processing module (305) to enable communication between the processing module (305) and the network server. In a thirteenth embodiment, the junction box includes an auxiliary module (307) wherein the auxiliary module (307) is provided with redundant modules to augment and/or substitute junction box capabilities. In a fourteenth embodiment, the first monitor includes a floating earth monitor. In a fifteenth embodiment, the second monitor includes a current monitor, a voltage monitor, leakage current monitor, floating earth monitor, floating neutral monitor, no-neutral monitor and/or a combination thereof. In a sixteenth embodiment, the junction box includes a communication module (317) and the communication module (317) is configured to communicate over a wired communication protocol wherein the wired communication protocol includes Ethernet, gigabit and/or fiber communication protocol. In a seventeenth embodiment, the junction box includes a communication module (317), and the communication module (317) is configured to communicate over a wireless communication protocol and wherein the wireless communication protocol is any one or more of: GSM, LoRaWAN, BLE, NBIoT, WiFi, GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, and/or 5G network protocols.
[007] In a second aspect, the present subject matter provides, a method for manufacturing a junction box (201) configured to couple a mains supply and a device (205-211), wherein the device (205-211) is mounted on a mounting infrastructure (203) and the method comprising: providing a monitoring module (303), wherein the providing monitoring module (303) comprises: configuring a first monitor (313) to generate a first signal, wherein the first signal is indicative of quality of the mains supply and health of the mounting infrastructure (203), and configuring a second monitor (323) to generate a second signal, wherein the second signal is indicative of health of the device (205-211), providing and configuring a processing module (305) to communicate with a network server, and to receive the first signal and the second signal and generate a third signal based on the first signal and second signal, and enabling communication of the third signal to the network server, wherein the third signal is indicative of quality of the mains supply, health status of the mounting infrastructure (203) and the device (205-211), and configuring a power module (301) to receive power from the mains supply and energize the device (205-211). In a first embodiment, the method includes coupling the power module (301) and a protection module (315), and configuring the protection module (315) to disengage the power module (301) and the mains supply based on quality of the power of the mains supply. In a second embodiment, coupling includes providing the protection module (315) with any one or more of: surge protector, relay, earth leakage detector, circuit breaker, and fuse. In a third embodiment, configuring the power module (301) includes providing a primary power module (311) and providing a secondary power module (312). In a fourth embodiment, providing the primary power module (311) includes configuring the primary supply configuring to adapt power received from the mains supply to energize the device (205-211). In a fifth embodiment, providing the secondary power module (312) includes configuring the secondary power module (312) to adapt power received from the mains supply to an utilizable power. In a sixth embodiment, providing the secondary power module (312) includes adapting the secondary power module (312) to energize the monitoring module (303). In a seventh embodiment, the method includes coupling a controlling module (307) to the processing module (305) and configuring the controlling module (307) to receive instructions from the processing module (305) and to control the device (205-211) based on the instructions. In an eighth embodiment, the method includes configuring a controlling module (307) to receive instructions from the network server and to control the device (205-211) based on the instructions. In a ninth embodiment, the method includes configuring a controlling module (307) to receive instructions manually from an input/output interface and control the device (205-211) based on the instructions. In a tenth embodiment, the method includes providing a programming module (311) having input-output interfaces, data storage and configuring the programming module (311) to receive instructions for device (205-211) operations and provide inputs to a controlling module (307) and/or the processing module (305). In an eleventh embodiment, the method includes configuring the programming module (311) to receive inputs via any one or more of: USB interface, WIFI interface, GSM protocol, BLE protocol, NFC protocol, a GPS device and/or the network server. In a twelfth embodiment, the method includes coupling a communication module (317) and the processing module (305) to enable communication between the processing module (305) and the network server. In a thirteenth embodiment, the method includes providing an auxiliary module (307) having redundant modules to augment and/or substitute junction box capabilities. In a fourteenth embodiment, configuring the monitoring module includes providing the first monitor with a floating earth monitor, power factor, wattages, leakage current, voltages, floating earth, floating neutral, no-neutral. In a fifteenth embodiment, configuring the monitoring module includes providing the second monitor with a current monitor, a voltage monitor, leakage current monitor, floating earth monitor, floating neutral monitor, no-neutral monitor, and/or a combination thereof. In a sixteenth embodiment, the method includes configuring a communication module (317) to communicate with the network server over a wireless communication protocol wherein the wireless communication protocol includes GSM, LoRaWAN, BLE, NBIoT, WiFi, GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, and/or 5G network protocols. In a seventeen embodiment, the method includes configuring a communication module (317) to communicate with the network server over a wired communication protocol wherein the wired communication protocol includes Ethernet, gigabit and/or fiber communication protocol.
[008] In a third aspect, the present subject matter provides, a method of monitoring and controlling a device (205-211) mounted on a mounting infrastructure (203) using a junction box, wherein the method comprising: supplying power in a power module (301) to receive power from the mains supply to energize the device (205-211); obtaining a first signal, wherein the first signal is indicative of quality of the mains supply and health of the mounting infrastructure (203) and generated by a first monitor (313), and a second signal, wherein the second signal is indicative of health of the device (205-211) and generated by a second monitor (323), wherein the first monitor (313) and the second monitor (323) are included in a monitoring module (303) of the junction box; obtaining a third signal, wherein the third signal is indicative of quality of the mains supply, health status of the mounting infrastructure (203) and the device (205-211) and is generated by a processing module (305) of the junction box; and communicating the third signal to a network server via a communication module (317). In a first embodiment, the method includes supplying power to the power module (301) from the mains supply via a protection module (315), wherein the protection module (315) is configured to disengage the power module (301) and the mains supply based on quality of the power of the mains supply. In a second embodiment, supplying includes supplying the power through any one or more of: surge protector, relay, earth leakage detector, circuit breaker, and fuse of the protection module (315). In third embodiment, the method includes obtaining a primary supply from a primary power module (311) to energize the device (205-211) and an auxiliary supply from an secondary power module (312) to energies the monitoring module (303). In a fourth embodiment, the method includes receiving instructions from the processing module (305) in a controlling module (307) and controlling the device (205-211) based on the instructions. In a fifth embodiment, the method includes receiving instructions from the network server in a controlling module (307) and/or the processing module (305) and controlling the device (205-211) based on the instructions. In a sixth embodiment, the method includes receiving instructions manually from an input/output interface and controlling the device (205-211) based on the instructions. In a seventh embodiment, the method includes receiving inputs for device (205-211) in a programming module (311) through input-output interfaces and storing the inputs in a data-storage and controlling the device (205-211) operations based on the instructions through a controlling module (307) and/or the processing module (305). In an eighth embodiment, the method includes receiving inputs in a programming module (311) via any one or more of: USB interface, WIFI interface, GSM protocol, BLE protocol, NFC protocol, a GPS device and/or the network server. In a ninth embodiment, wherein the method includes enabling communication between the processing module (305) and the network server through the communication module (317). In a tenth embodiment, the method includes augmenting and/or substituting junction box capabilities by providing an auxiliary module (307) having redundant modules. In an eleventh embodiment, the method includes monitoring any one or more of: voltage, current, leakage current, floating earth, floating neutral and no-neutral. In a twelfth embodiment, the method includes monitoring any one or more of: current, voltage leakage current, floating earth, floating neutral and no-neutral and/or a combination thereof through and/or across the mounting infrastructure (203) and/or the device (205-211). In a thirteenth embodiment, the method includes monitoring a combination of current and voltage, power factor, wattage across and through the mounting infrastructure (203) and/or the device (205-211). In a fourteenth embodiment, the method includes establishing communication between the communication module (317) and over a wireless communication protocol, wherein the wireless communication protocol includes any one or more of: GSM, LoRaWAN, BLE, NBIoT, WiFi, GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, and/or 5G network protocols. In a fifteenth the method includes establishing communication between the communication module (317) and the network server over a wired communication protocol, wherein the wired communication protocol includes Ethernet, gigabit and/or fiber communication protocol.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[009] The subject matter is now described with reference to the accompanying figures, in that:
[0010] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a street lighting system 100 system according to a prior art;
[0011] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a junction box deployed in field according to one embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0012] FIG. 3 shows a more detailed schematic block diagram of the junction box according to one embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0013] FIG. 4 shows a more detailed schematic block diagram of a power module of the junction box according to an embodiment of the subject matter;
[0014] FIG. 5 shows a more detailed schematic block diagram of a monitoring module of the junction box according to one embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0015] FIG. 6 shows a more detailed schematic block diagram of a processing module of the junction box according to one embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0016] FIG. 7 shows a more detailed schematic block diagram of a protection module of the junction box according to one embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0017] FIG. 8 shows a more detailed schematic block diagram of a communication module of the junction box according to one embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0018] FIG. 9 shows a more detailed schematic block diagram of a controlling module of the junction box according to one embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0019] FIG. 10 shows a more detailed schematic block diagram of an auxiliary module of the junction box according to one embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0020] FIG. 11 shows a more detailed schematic block diagram of a programming module of the junction box according to one embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0021] FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of a method of manufacturing the junction box according one embodiment of the present subject matter; and
[0022] FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of a method of monitoring and controlling according to one embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Systems such a street lighting system, weather/pollution monitoring systems, displays systems, public addressing systems, antennas (GSM or otherwise) etc. have number of devices. The devices are often geographically separated. These devices of the aforementioned systems are required to function substantially continuously or based on a schedule. These devices need immediate attention if any one or more of the devices fail. Thus there is a continuous need to monitor and control the devices. There are some solutions that are employed for monitoring and failure detection however these solutions have limitations. In the subsequent discussion, all the figures and elements thereof are collectively referred and each reference number in the figure refers to the unique feature throughout the description across the figures.
[0024] For example, FIG. 1 shows a street lighting system 100 of prior art. The street light system 100 has a number of street lights. To monitor these street lights the street lighting system 100 generally employs a feeder based monitoring. In the feeder based monitoring system the devices of the street lighting system 100 are divided in small segments 101a-101c. Each of the segments 101a-101c has a number of devices. Needless to say, that the number of devices in a segment is smaller than the total number of devices in the street lighting system 100. Each of the segments is then coupled to a feeder panel 103. From the feeder panel 103, each of the segments 101a-101c is monitored. The feeder panel 103 may be provided with remote communication capabilities. If failure is detected in a segment then a field person, is required to visit each of the devices employed in the segment to attend to the failure.
[001] In some other examples (not shown), each of the devices of the lighting system 100 may be provided with communication capabilities and the device may communicate to enable monitoring and failure detection.
[002] The above and other systems have a number of limitations, for example, the lighting system that employ feeder panel 103 based solution fail to pin point exact failing device, on the other hand providing the communication capability with each device is not only makes the device expensive, and thus maintenance and repair/replacement of the device becomes cost and skill intensive. Leave alone the system still fails to detect any fault with the power supply or any leakage that makes the infrastructure itself safety hazard. Furthermore, the systems such as discussed above are limited on a single type of devices. They do not provide any solution wherein a number of different types of devices are mounted on an infrastructure. For example a street light pole may be mounted with, in addition to street light, a signalling light, or weather monitor, a display board, public addressing system, and/or an antenna or any other device.
[003] Where there are multiple categories of devices mounted on a pole no comprehensive solution is provided that enables monitoring of any type of the device along with monitoring of the infrastructure on which the devices are mounted. The present subject matter solves the above and other problems associated with the prior art.
[004] The subject matter shall now be discussed in more details with reference to the accompanying drawings and the below discussion makes references to FIG. 2 through FIG 13.
[005] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the present subject matter 200 according to an embodiment. In FIG. 2 includes a junction box 201, a mounting infrastructure 203, a display 205, a solar panel 207, a street light 209 and a weather sensor and video camera 211. According to one aspect, the present subject matter provides the junction box 201 and a number of devices. The devices include: the display 205, the solar panel 207, the street light 209 and the weather sensor 211. It shall become clear to a person, after reading this specification that the devices shown are only for example and may include any other device different than the devices shown, some of such devices may include antennas etc.
[006] FIG. 3 shows a more detailed schematic diagram of the junction box 201 of FIG. 2. The junction box 201 includes: a power module 301, a monitoring module 303, a first monitor 313, a second monitor 323, a processing module 305, a controlling module 307, an auxiliary module 309, a programming module 311, a communication module 317, and a protection module 315.
[007] General function of the junction box 201 is as follows. The junction box 201 is provided with the monitoring module 303 that includes the first monitor 313 and the second monitor 323. The first monitor 313 monitors health of the mounting infrastructure 203 and quality of a mains supply. The first monitor 313 generates a first signal based on the health of the mounting infrastructure 203 and quality of the mains supply. That is the first signal is indicative of quality of the mains supply and health of the mounting infrastructure 203. The junction box 201 receives input power from the mains supply at the protection module 315.
[008] The protection module 315 configured to couple the power module 301 and the mains supply. The protection module 315 detects any surge or lower quality of power received from the main supply. The protection module 315 disengages the power module 301 and the mains supply based on quality of the power received from the mains supply, that is, if a surge or otherwise low quality power is detected by the protection module 315. This protects the junction box 201 by offering first layer of protection of the elements of the junction box 201, the device 205-211 and the mounting infrastructure 203. The first monitor 313 may notice the actions of the protection module 315 and generates the first signal accordingly and may communicate the first signal to the processing module 305.
[009] The power module 301 receives the input from the protection module 315 and powers or energizes all the modules of the junction box 201 and the devices 205-211. The devices 205-211 may receive the power from the power module 301 which may transmit the power to energize the devices 205-211 via the protection module 315.
[0010] The health of the devices 205-211 are monitored by the second monitor 323 of the monitoring module 303. The second monitor 323 generates a second signal based on the health of the devices 205-211. That is the second signal is indicative of the health of the devices 205-211.
[0011] The first signal and the second signal are then sent to the processing module 305. The processing module 305 receives the first signal and the second signal and generates a third signal based on the first signal and second signal. The third signal is indicative of health status of the mounting infrastructure 203 and the devices 205-211. The processing module 305 is capable of communicating with a network server (not shown) and communicates the third signal to the network server via the communication module 317.
[0012] The communication module 317 may establish communication with the network server and receive instructions or enable the network server or a network server operator to initiate number of actions based on the third signal. The instructions to that effect may be communicated to the junction box 201 via the programming module 311 or to the controlling module 307 or to the processing module 305 from the network server. Alternatively a field attendant may be dispatched to attend the ground situation. The third signal may also include the GPS co-ordinates of the junction box 201 and also status of the mounting infrastructure 203 to enable the field attendant to reach at the junction box 201 further the third signal may also indicate whether it is safe to approach the mounting infrastructure 203.
[0013] The programming module 311 may receive communication including information required for the junction box 201 to operate. The information may be received by the programming module 311 from the network server, or through input-output interface provided with the programming module 311. The input-output interface may include USB or wired or wireless mode of communications. The programming module 311 may include onboard storage. The information received by the programming module 311 may be include Geo-Positioning System (GPS) co-ordinates, and other telemetric data pertaining to the junction box 201 e.g. clocks, resets, serial number, make model etc. and also the schedule for turning on/off the devices 205-211. In some embodiments, the thirds signal may include GPS co-ordinates and other telemetric data. In some embodiment, the programming module 311 may also include means of interpreting machine language or compiler etc. The information received at the programming module 311 is used for controlling and monitoring the devices 205-211 and the mounting infrastructure 203. The controlling module 307 may be provided with the information received at the programming module 311.
[0014] The controlling module 307 receives the information from the programming module 311. Alternatively, the programming module 311 may also receive information/instruction/inputs from the processing module 305. In one possibility, the controlling module 307 may also receive instructions or input or information from a remote location via the communication module 317. In a further possibility the controlling module 307 may receive instructions/inputs/information locally from an attendant. Based on the instructions or inputs of information the controlling module 307 controls the devices 205-211. In some examples, the controlling may include turning on or off one or more devices 205-211 based on a schedule or partially turn on/off one or more devices 205-211. In another possibility the controlling may include requiring one or more devices to perform specific operation, for example, play a video or audio stream etc. It shall become clear to a person, after reading this specification, that the information/instructions/inputs for the controlling module 307 may be stored in a data storage provided with the programming module 311.
[0015] The junction box 201 is further provided with the auxiliary module 309. The auxiliary module 309 may be provided with additional or redundant monitoring modules or what may be referred to as auxiliary monitoring modules. The auxiliary monitoring modules may be programmed using programming module 311 for substituting any of failed elements of the monitoring module 303 fails. Alternatively the auxiliary module 309 may be programmed if any additional device needs to be driven by the junction box 201. In addition to other the auxiliary module 311 may include number elements such as on board storage etc. In one embodiment, the auxiliary module 309 may be deployed or put to use in case where the junction box 201 capabilities are required to be enhanced, for example, in some cases, the junction box 201 is required to handle additional devices 205-211 than what the monitoring module 303 may handle, in some cases, the monitoring module 903 of the auxiliary module 309 may be deployed for handling such additional devices. In some other embodiments, the auxiliary module 309 acts as a gateway for any additional devices mounted on the mounting infrastructure 203 like environment sensor or digital billboards which once connected can be remotely monitored and operated using the same network communication. In some embodiments, these devices are installed at a later point of time after the installation of the junction box 201. That is the junction box 201 supports future expansions. It shall become clear to a person, after reading this specification that such devices may need additional functionalities/components/capabilities/protocols, the auxiliary module 309 enables monitoring, controlling and operation of such devices.
[0016] FIG. 4 shows a more detailed schematic block diagram of the power module 301 of the junction box 201 according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. In one embodiment, the power module 301 receives input power supply from the protection module 315. The power module 301 may have a primary power module 314 and a secondary power module 312. The secondary power module 312 may be derived from the primary power module 314. In some embodiments, the primary power module may power the devices 205 through 211, mounted on the mounting infrastructure 203. In some other embodiments, the secondary power module 312 powers various modules of the junction box 201. The primary power module 314 may be configured to adapt power received from the mains supply to energize the device 205-211. In some embodiments, primary power module 314 may be configured to adapt power received from the mains supply to energize the device 205-211 via the protection module 315. In some embodiments, the secondary power module 312 may be configured to adapt power received from the mains supply to an utilizable power. The secondary power module 312 energizes the monitoring module 303, the processing module 305, the controlling module 307, the programming module 311, the auxiliary module 309, and the communication module 317. In some embodiment, the power module 311 includes a transformer. In another possibility the transformer may be provided with either the primary power module 314 or the secondary power module 312 or both. In a further embodiment, the power module 301 includes rectifiers. The rectifiers may be provided with the primary power module 314 or the secondary power module 312 or both. In some other embodiments, the power module 301 may receive a 3-phase power supply from the mains supply via the protection module 315. In some other embodiments, the power module 301 may include converter to convert the 3-phase power supply to 2-phase or a single-phase supply. Further, it shall become clear to a person, after reading this specification that the primary power module 314 powers the devices 205-211. The power may be supplied to the devices 205-211 via the protection module 315 or directly. In some other embodiment, the power to the devices may be supplied through the controlling module 307.
[0017] In a further embodiment, the power module 301 may derive an auxiliary power source from the main power in the auxiliary power module 312. It shall become clear to a person, after reading this specification, that in some embodiments, the auxiliary power source need not necessarily be derived from the main supply and the power module 301 may include battery, solar panel, super capacitors, wind or other power sources that may provide the auxiliary power source.
[0018] FIG. 5 shows a more detailed schematic block diagram of the monitoring module 303 of the junction box 201 according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. In one embodiment, the monitoring module 303 includes at least the first monitor 313 and the second monitor 323 as discussed earlier. The first monitor 313 receives the power supply from the main power 311 and provides the power to the devices 205-211. In some embodiments, the first monitor 313 receives the power supply from the main power 311 and provides the power to the devices 205-211 via the protection module 315. The second monitor 323 and the first monitor 313 also receive feedback from the devices 205-211 and the mounting infrastructure 203 respectively. As has been discussed earlier, the first monitor 313 is configured to monitor health of the mounting infrastructure 203 and generate a first signal. The mounting infrastructure 203 is adapted to mount the device 205-211 and the first signal is indicative of quality of the main power source and health and status of the mounting infrastructure 203. The first monitor 313 receives feedback from the mounting infrastructure 303 indicating status of the mounting infrastructure 303 based on the feedback, the first signal is generated. For example the feedback may indicate leakage current, no neutral or earthing etc. The second monitor 323 monitors the devices 205-211. The second monitor 323 may include a number of monitors such as voltage monitor, current monitor, wattage monitor and/or combination thereof etc. Based on the detection, the first monitor 313 may generate the first signal and the second monitor 323 may generate the second signal. The first signal and second signal are provided to the processing module 305. In some embodiments, the quality of the power and status of the devices 205-211 and the mounting infrastructure 203 is checked at the monitoring module 303. If a hazard is detected at the point the protection module 315 is activated to disengage the devices 205-211 and/or the mounting infrastructure 203 from the primary power module. Alternatively, the power is supplied to the devices 205- 211 via the protection module 315. During the course of the operation of the devices 205- 211. If hazard is detected the protection module 315 disengages the devices 205- 211 and/or the mounting infrastructure 203. As may be clear to a person in the art that the mounting infrastructure 203 could also be in a hazardous state in case of current leakage, floating-earth, no-earth, or shorting of earth etc. Based on the quality of the mains supply and state of the devices 205- 211 and/or the mounting infrastructure 203, the monitoring module 303 generates the first signal and the second signal and supplies the first signal and the second signal to the processing module 305.
[0019] FIG. 6 shows a more detailed schematic block diagram of the processing module 305 of the junction box 201 according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. The processing module 305 may receive the first signal and the second signal from the first monitor 313 and the second monitor 323. The processing module 305 may generate the third signal based on the first signal and the second signal. The third signal is indicative of the health of the devices 205-211, quality power received from the mains supply, and/or mounting infrastructure 203. The processing module 305 may also receive inputs from the programming module 311 and include any relevant information that must be included with the third signal based on the inputs of the programming module 311. In some embodiments, the programming module 311 may provide GPS co-ordinates, including but not limited to the previously discussed telemetry data. The programming module 305 may also store a predefined set of instructions that are programmable remotely/locally and may provide the operating instructions for the device/devices 205-211.
[0020] The processing module 305 communicates the third signal to the network server (not show) through the communication module 317. The network server, based on the third signal, may initiate a number of actions including but not limited to, shutting down the primary power module 314 totally disengaging the mounting infrastructure 203 and/or the devices 205-211. The processing module 305 may generate alerts in cases where the supply or mounting conditions are beyond acceptable limits defined for junction box. In some embodiment, the actions may include dispatching a person to attend to the failures or hazardous situations.
[0021] As may be seen the processing module 305 may receive inputs from the programming module 311 and in some other possibility the processing module 305 may also provide some inputs to the programming module 311. Similarly, the processing module 305 may also be in communication with the controlling module 307. In some other embodiments, the processing module 305 may act as a channel for enabling communication between the programming module 311 and the controlling module 307. In a further embodiment, the processing module 305 may also be in communication with the first monitor 313 and the second monitor 323. Further, it shall become clear to a person in the art, after reading this specification that because, the processing module 305 has to take acceptable limits from the programming module 311, read the monitoring signals, instruct the controlling module and raise alerts through communication module 317.
[0022] FIG. 7 shows more detailed schematic block diagram of the protection module 315 of the junction box 201 according to some embodiments. In that FIG. 7 shows that protection module 315 has a switch. In some embodiments, the protection module 315 may include any one or more of: surge protector, relay, earth leakage detector, circuit breaker, and fuse. As discussed earlier, the protection module 315 may receive mains supply, and once the power received from the mains supply is of acceptable quality may further forward the power to the power module 301. Furthermore, the protection module 315 may receive power back from the power module 301 after the power module 301 adapts the power to make it utilizable for powering the devices 205-211. The protection module 315 may then employ the adapted power received from the power module 301 to power the devices 205-211. The protection module may also be in communication with the controlling module 307 and the monitoring module 315. This is to enable controlling of the devices 205-211 from the controlling module 307 and monitoring of the devices 205-211 and mounting infrastructure 203 from the monitoring module 307. In some embodiments, the protection module 315 may receive feedback from the mounting infrastructure 203 and the devices 205-211 indicating hazard. In some other alternates, the protection module 315 may receive instructions from the controlling module 315, processing module 305, or from the network server via the communication module 317 indicating either hazard or instructions to turn on or off one or more devices 205-211 or to disengage the mains supply.
[0023] FIG. 8 shows a more detailed schematic block diagram of the communication module 317 of the junction box 201 according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. In one embodiment, the communication module 317 is coupled to the processing module 305 to enable communication between the processing module 305 and the network server. It shall become clear to a person, after reading this specification that the communication module 317 may also be coupled to the programming module 311, controlling module 307, auxiliary module 309, the processing module 305, and the protection module 315. The communication module 317 not only enables communication of the junction box 201 and the network server, but also enables communication across the modules and communication from a person dispatched to attend the junction box 201.
[0024] Thus, the communication module 317 is one of the versatile elements of the junction box 201. Hence, the communication module 317 includes a number of channels of communication for example, it provides communication a over a wireless communication protocol, such as WIFI, Low Power Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN), GSM, Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE), GSM, Narrow Band Internet of Things (NBIoT), WiFi, GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, and/or 5G network protocols. The communication module 317 also enables communication over the wired communication protocols, be it, Ethernet, USB, fiber, gigabit etc
[0025] FIG. 9 shows a more detailed schematic block diagram of the controlling module 307 of the junction box 201 according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. The FIG. 9 shows that the controlling module 307 communicates with the processing module 305. However, it shall be clear to a person, after reading this specification that the controlling module 307 may also be in communication with the protection module 315, the auxiliary module 309, and the programming module 311. The controlling module 311 may also communicate with the network server and receive instructions. In some other embodiment, the controlling module 311 may receive instructions via processing module 305 or directly from any other module of the junction box 201 or directly from the network server. The controlling module 311 may directly be in communication with the devices 205-211 or communicate with the devices 205-211 via the protection module 315. The controlling module 311 receives instructions to control the devices 205-211 and control the devices 205-211 based on the instructions.
[0026] FIG. 10 shows a more detailed schematic block diagram of the auxiliary module 309 of the junction box 201 according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. As may be seen, the auxiliary module 309 includes redundant modules. The example of FIG. 10 shows redundant a power module 901, a monitoring module 903 that has a first monitor 913 and a second monitor 923, a processing module 905, a controlling module 907, a programming module 911, a communication module 917, and a protection module 915. In addition, the auxiliary module 309 may be employed for handling additional devices that are installed on the mounting infrastructure 203 in future or in addition to the core device for which the mounting infrastructure 203 is purposed. For example, in some cases, the mounting infrastructure 203 may have a core objective of installation of lighting device, however a singling device, display, bill board etc. may be installed along with the lighting device. However, it shall become clear to a person, after reading this specification that the auxiliary module 309 does not need to include all the shown modules in FIG. 10. It shall also become clear that some modules may have higher redundancies and some other modules may not be included altogether within the auxiliary module 309. The auxiliary module 309 may receive power from the mains supply or from the power module 301. The auxiliary module 309 may be in optionally communication with or coupled to the power module 301, the monitoring module 303, the processing module 305, the controlling module 307, the programming module 311, the communication module 317, and the protection module 315.
[0027] FIG. 11 shows a more detailed schematic block diagram of a programming module 311 of the junction box 201 according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. As discussed earlier and shown in the FIG. 11 the programming module 311 that has input-output interfaces, a data storage, schedules, clocks resets, machine language translator, compiler GPS instance etc. , The programming module 311 receives receive instructions for device operations and provide inputs to the controlling module 307 and/or the processing module 305. In some examples, the processing module 305 or the controlling module 307 may also update the programming module 311. The programming module 311 my receives inputs via any one or more of USB, WIFI interface, GSM network, BLE network, NFC network, a GPS device and/or the network server. As shown the programming modules 311 may be in communication with the monitoring module 303, the auxiliary module 309, the power module 301 and the protection module 315. The roles and the function of the programming module 311 of FIG. 11 has already been discussed in the foregoing discussion.
[0028] It shall become clear to a person after reading this specification, that the examples shown herein are only intended for the explanation and variation of the subject matter without departing from the scope of the subject matter are possible. For example, the subject matter discussed with reference to the device being a lighting device or the system being a street lighting system and the mounting infrastructure being a pole. However, it is possible to deploy the subject matter on other solutions such as solar panel networks, weather sensor network, advertisement displays, antennas, or public addressing systems. The mounting infrastructure may other infrastructure than a pole.
[0029] The subject matter also provides a method of manufacturing the junction 201. The foregoing discussion with respect to construction, connections and functioning of the junction box 201 provides details as to how the junction box 201 may be manufactured. However, solely for the sake of completeness the FIG. 12 shows steps 500 that may be performed for manufacturing the junction box 201.
[0030] According one embodiment, to manufacture the junction box 201 that is configured to couple the mains supply and the devices 205-211, the devices 205-211 are mounted on the mounting infrastructure 203, at block 501, the power module 301 may be provided. At block 503 the monitoring module 303 may be provided. At block 505 the processing module 305 may be provided and
[0031] It shall become clear to a person after reading this specification, that at the block 501 the power module 301 may be configured to receive power from the mains supply and energize the device 205-211. At this block the power module 301 may be provided with the primary power module 314 and the secondary power module 312. The primary power module 314 may be configured to adapt power received from the mains supply to energize the device 205-211. This may be achieved by providing appropriate transformers, rectifiers, switch mode power supplies or other power devices. Further the secondary power module 312 may be configured to adapt power received from the mains supply to an utilizable power. Again this may be achieved by appropriately deploying rectifiers, transformers and other power managing devices. The secondary power module 312 may be adapted to energize the monitoring module 303 or/and other modules of the junction box 201. It shall further become clear to a person, that the power module 301 may be enabled for handing a 3-phase power supply. In some embodiments, the primary power module 314 and/or secondary power module 312 may be configured to convert the 3-phase power supply to 2-phase or single-phase power supply. In some other embodiments, the rectifiers may be deployed to rectify the power in either of the primary power module 314 and/or secondary power module 312.
[0032] Further at block 503 the monitoring module 303 may be provided with the first monitor 313 and the second monitor 323 and the first monitor 313 and the second monitor 323 are configured to monitor health of the mounting infrastructure 203 and generate the first signal indicative of quality of the mains supply and health of the mounting infrastructure 203, and to monitor health of the devices 205-211 and generate the second signal indicative of health of the devices 205-211, respectively. In some embodiments, the first monitor 313 may be provided with a floating earth monitor, floating neutral monitor, automatic phase selector. The second monitor 323 may be provided with a current and/or a voltage monitor or a combination thereof, and power factor, wattages of the devices 205-211 etc.
[0033] At block 505, the processing module 305 may be further configured to receive the first signal and the second signal and generate the third signal. The third signal being indicative of health status of the mounting infrastructure 203 and the device 205-211. At this block the processing module 305 may be configured to be in communication with the network server and to communicate the third signal to the network server. Further at this block, the processing module 305 be coupled to the controlling module 307 and the controlling module 307 may be enabled to communicate with the processing module 305. In some embodiments, as discussed earlier, the controlling module 307 may receive instructions from the processing module 305 to control the devices 205-211 based on the instructions. In some other embodiments, the controlling module 307 may to receive instructions from the network server and to control the devices 205-211 based on the instructions. In a further embodiment, the controlling module 307 may receive instructions manually from an input/output interface and control the devices 205-211 based on the instructions.
[0034] At a further block 507 the power module 301 of the junction box 201 may be coupled to the protection module 315 so that the power module 301 receives the power from the mains supply via the protection module 315. The protection module 315 may be configured to disengage the power module 301 and the mains supply based on quality of the power of the mains supply. This may be achieved by providing appropriately, any one or more of surge protector, relay, earth leakage detector, circuit breaker, and fuse with the protection module 315.
[0035] At block 509 the junction box 201 may be provided with the programming module 311. The programming module 311 may have input-output interfaces, data storage, schedules, resets, clocks, machine language translator, compiler, GSP instance etc. The programming module 311, at this block may be configured to receive instructions via the any one or more mode of communication from the input-output interface, e.g. any one or more of USB, WIFI interface, GSM network, BLE network, NFC network, a GPS device and/or the network server. In some embodiments, the programming device may receive instructions from the controlling module 307 and/or the processing module 305.
[0036] At a block 511, the junction box 201 may be provided with the communication module 317. The communication module 317 may be coupled to the processing module 305. Coupling the communication module 317 and the processing module 305 enables communication between the junction box 201 and the network server. At block 511 the junction box 201 may be provided with the communication module 317. At this block the communication module 317 is configured to communicate with the network server over a wireless communication protocol. As may be understood by a person, after reading this specification, the communication module 317 may be further configured to communicate over a wireless communication protocol includes GSM protocol and/or Low Power Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) communication protocol, Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) communication protocol, Narrow Band Internet of Things (NBIoT) and/or WiFi and/or GSM and/or 2G and/or 3G and/or 4G, and/or 5G network protocols, and/or a wired communication protocol.
[0037] At block 513 the junction box 201 may further be provided with the auxiliary module 307. The auxiliary module 307 is provided with redundant modules shown in FIG. 11. The redundant modules augment and/or substitute junction box 201 capabilities.
[0038] According to another aspect the present subject matter also provide a method of monitoring and controlling devices 205-211 using the junction box 201. The devices 205-211 are mounted on the mounting infrastructure 203. The method 700 of monitoring is shown in the FIG. 13.
[0039] The method 700, at block 701 provides the power module 301 that may be supplied power from the mains supply to energize the devices 205-211 via the protection module 315. The protection module 315 may if it determines that the quality of the power received from the mains supply is not desirable totally disengage the power module 301 and/or the junction box 201 from the mains supply. At this block, the supplying of the power through the protection module 315 may mean supply the power via any one or more of: surge protector, relay, earth leakage detector, circuit breaker, and fuse of the protection module 315. Further at this block, the power module 301 may adapt the power received from the mains supply to make it useable by the devices 205-211 and/or various modules of the junction box 201. Thus supplying of the power may include obtaining the primary supply from the primary power module 314 to energize the devices 205-211 and an auxiliary supply from a secondary power module 312 to energies the monitoring module 303 and other modules such as processing module 305, controlling module 307 etc. In some embodiments, the power module 301 adapts a 3-phase power supply received from the mains supply into a 2-phase, or single-phase or even dc power supply of varying voltage ranges. It shall become clear to a person after reading this specification the power module 301 may deploy a number of transformers, rectifiers etc. to achieve this objective. Further, it shall become clear that the power module may have additional sources of the power such as super capacitor, battery, solar and wind energy power sources that may be employed in case of emergencies or on need basis by the junction box 201.
[0040] At a block 703 the first signal and the second signal may be obtained from the first monitor 313 and the second monitor 312 of the monitoring in module 303. The first signal and the second signal may have indicators of floating earth, floating neutral and no-neutral. In some embodiments, the first signal and the second signal may have indicator to indicate values of currents, voltages, power factor, wattage or power consumption etc. by either the devices 205-211. In some other embodiments, the first signal or the second signal or both may include indicators to indicate variation that in values of currents, voltages, power factor, wattage or power consumption etc. by the devices 205-211. The first signal is indicative of quality of the mains supply and health of the mounting infrastructure 203 and is and generated by the first monitor 313. The second signal is indicative of health of the devices 205-211 and is generated by the second monitor 323.
[0041] At this point, at block 705, the third signal indicative of health status of the mounting infrastructure 203 and the devices 205-211 may be obtained from the processing module 305. The processing module 305 generates the third signal based on the first signal and the second signal. The thirds signal may be communicated from the processing module 305 to the network server through the communication module 317.
[0042] At block 707, the junction box 201 may initiate protective or preventive actions. The action may be initiated based on the instructions received at the junction box 201 from the network server. The junction box 201 may also initiate such actions based on the state of the first signal and/or the signal. The actions may be initiated by the controlling module 307 or the protection module 315. In some embodiments, the processing module 305 may instruct either the controlling module 307 or the protection module 315 or both to take certain actions. Such actions may include but are not limited to disengaging the devices 205-211 and/or the mounting infrastructure 203 and the mains supply.
[0043] The network server may, subject to the third signal initiate a number of actions. Some of the actions may include, raising alert for dispatching a ground worker to attend to the any failure that has been detected. Some other actions may include instructing the junction box 201 to totally disengage the from the mains supply. In some embodiments, the instructions may be received at the controlling module 307. In some other embodiments, the instructions may be received at the programming module 311. In some embodiment, the instructions may be received at the processing module 305 and the processing module 305 may spring the controlling module 311 and/or the protection module 315 in action. In another alternate the controlling module 311 instructs the protection module 315 to turn on or off one or more devices or disengage totally from the mains supply. It shall become clear to a person, after reading this specification, that the object to achieve is to protect the devices 205-211, the mounting infrastructure 203 and/or any human attending to the devices 205-211 or the mounting infrastructure 203. In some embodiments, all such actions that achieve the aforementioned objectives may simultaneously be effected by the controlling module 307, the processing module 305, the programming module 311, the communication module 317, auxiliary module 309, and protection module 315 in conjunction with each other. Thus shall become clear that the method according to this embodiment includes receiving instructions from the network server in the controlling module 307 and/or the processing module 305 and controlling the devices 205-211 based on the instructions and also receiving instructions manually from an input/output interface and controlling the devices 205-211 based on the instructions.
[0044] As stated earlier, the communication module may enable communication across the modules of the junction box 201 and to and from the junction box 201 to the network server. For doing so, the communication module 317 may deploy a number of channels for examples, a wireless communication protocol, a GSM wireless communication protocol, a LoRaWAN® communication protocol, a wired communication protocol, a BLE communication protocol, NBIoT, WiFi, GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, and/or 5G network protocols.
[0045] At block 709, the method provides controlling the devices 205-211 and mounting infrastructure. The method provides the programming module 311. The programming module 311 may be provided with schedule, reset, GPS instance, on board storages, machine language translators, compiler, and input-output interfaces. The programming module 311 may be provided with schedule to turn on/off or dim or other operating any one or more of the devices 205-211 or otherwise information/inputs that includes instructions to that effect. The programming module 311 accordingly either pass the information loaded in the programming module 311 to the processing module 305 or to the controlling module 307 or both. The devices 205-211 may be according to the instructions be operated or controlled. The instructions may be provided to the programming module 311 either via the input-output interfaces, locally, or by the network server via the communication module 317. Some of such possible mode of communication may include USB, WIFI interface, GSM network, BLE network, NFC network, a GPS device.
[0046] According to one aspect, the method of monitoring and controlling 700 provides monitoring and controlling the devices 205-211 and mounting infrastructure via the auxiliary module 307 which includes redundancies to augmenting and/or substituting junction box 201 capabilities.

ProdyoVidhi Reference: TCL1056IN